How to Buy a Digital Camera

There is no shortage of makes, models and prices when it comes to digital cameras. Two types are point and shoot or a professional digital single lens reflex (DSLR). The learning curve is not too steep when understanding a few basic features that all cameras share. Going digital is an important investment decision for years of enjoyment.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Consider the Type of Photos

1. Know what kind of photos you want to take. Digital cameras rise in price according to features. You don't want to overspend. Personal snapshots of the family, close-ups, long-range and making large prints are some things to think about before you go shopping! A point and shoot camera contains many automatic features while the DSLR ones lets you manually operate with many more settings.

2. Think of the location for most of your photos. Light is important and whether you want something that takes photos indoors or outdoors, perhaps both.

3. Identify your price range. The choice is wide.

4. Consider the size of the camera. The choice ranges from pocket to camera bag size. Larger cameras have more accessories for a wide variety of photos, even professional while a small camera is convenient for everyday use.

5. Research the kind of features you want. Display size, type of zoom lens and mega pixels are basic to all digital cameras. Know what you want.

Consider the Features

6. Pick your megapixels which are the resolution or picture details. At 5 MP a point and shoot camera nicely gives you the option to print 11 by 14 inch shots. Buying 3 to 4 MP is perfect for 4 by 6 to 6 by 9 inch prints. The pricier DSLR cameras with much higher megapixels are a more professional camera. If you are a hobbyist planning on a variety of settings then the added pixels give more flexibility.

7. Understand the two types of zoom lens. A digital zoom uses a microchip to magnify your photo and is very limited. The optical zoom where the lens actually moves out from the camera is superior. Purchase an optical zoom of 3X minimum.

8. Notice exposure settings. Automatic mode comes with every digital camera. If you want to tweak the aperture and shutter speed buy one that also allows for manual settings. The manual is good if you plan on photographing moving subjects.

9. Remember size matters with the LCD screen. These screens review the photo. They range from 1.8 to 3.5 inches. A larger screen offers more details of the shot.

10. Assess the battery cost. A camera with the capability of both disposable and rechargeable batteries is cost effective. Remember disposable alone always means buying batteries.

11. See if the camera has auxiliary lights to aid in low light locations.

12. Check out memory cards. Many cameras come with a 16 megabyte card to store your photos which isn't a lot of memory. Consider 512 Megs or more especially with a higher MP camera.

Tips & Warnings

• Find the brand name you like.
• Try the controls before you purchase. You might prefer a certain menu over another.
• Shop around for the best deal. It is a competitive market.

[pdaaccessory]

on 2/17/2009 nice tips thanks for shearing.....http://www.pdaaccessories.com/digitalcamera.asp

[zemzem82]

on 1/11/2009 We sell digital cameras- zemzem.ecrater.com